The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) is a heavy-rail public transit system that connects the San Francisco Peninsula with communities in the East Bay and South Bay. BART service currently extends as far as Millbrae, Richmond, Antioch, Dublin/Pleasanton, and Berryessa/North San José. BART operates in five counties (San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa, and Santa Clara) with 131 miles of track and 50 stations.
From the opening of service in 1972 to the present day, BART has enhanced the quality of life in the Bay Area by providing rapid and reliable transportation. Today, the BART system is essential to the health of our region’s economy—connecting workers and businesses, and relieving regional traffic congestion. At the same time, BART is the backbone of the region’s public transit system, accommodating people of all income levels as well as youth, seniors, and people with disabilities. By reducing the need to drive, BART reduces emissions and air pollution, supporting a healthier environment.
BART ridership has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and remote work trends in the Bay Area. Prior to the pandemic, BART served 405,000 trips on an average weekday. Track the latest ridership trends here.
BART provides fast, reliable transportation to downtown offices, shopping centers, tourist attractions, entertainment venues, universities and other destinations for Bay Area residents and visitors alike.
BART is a special purpose transit district that was formed in 1957 and opened for service in 1972. Read more about BART's history and system facts.